LympheDIVAS have just released their Spring Patterns, and they are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. What’s even better is that you can get free shipping on any of these new patterns between now and May 8th – just enter the code MAY12FLOWERS at checkout.
Click on any of the images to be taken to the product page:
What I want to know is when will LympheDIVAS begin making stockings? I’d love to get in on these patterns!
Some good news for breast cancer patients with secondary lymphedema:
On March 6th – Lymphedema Awareness Day – researchers presented investigational pre-clinical data on the first potential pharmacologic agent used in combination with surgery for the treatment of breast cancer associated lymphedema (source). In layman’s terms, this team of researchers have gathered data that shows lymph node transplant surgery could potentially maybe someday be a real thing, thanks to a vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) called Lymfactin.
How would it work?
The therapy with Lymfactin involves a surgical operation where a lymph node flap is harvested from the patient’s lower abdominal wall and injected with Lymfactin, which leads to the transient presence of the adenovirus containing the VEGF-C gene. The lymph node is then transferred to the axillary region.
When the growth factor VEGF-C was injected into tissues of mice and later pigs, there was growth of new lymphatic vessels and restoration of lymphatic architecture. When combined with lymph node transfer, the administration of VEGF-C yielded an 80% improvement in mice with lymphedema. Researchers are developing a treatment that would enable a higher transfer success. Plans to start a phase I/II study in breast cancer patients are set for as early as next year (!).
Wendy Chaite, the founder of LRF, was quoted in the article as saying this treatment is “very promising,” and cites the current lack of any advanced treatments for lymphedema as making this research “all the more important for those who suffer from this condition.”
The implications of this study are huge. Currently, the only treatment options for lymphedema focus on minimizing swelling, controlling pain, and preventing infection. We’ve got wrappings, massages, compression.. nothing to cure or alleviate lymphedema, only maintain it. This condition is way too common to be ignored as much as it is. Let’s all hope that research continues to develop in this positive direction!
What do you think about this news? If it were to become an accessible and reliable treatment, would you do it?
The source for the information in this post came from a press release on MarketWatch.
For more information about Lymfactin, visit the Laurantis Pharma website.
Hello, lymphies! I hope you all have had a relaxing and happy holiday season, and are excitedly preparing for the New Year.
Recently, I’ve asked readers to send in ideas for posts and things that they would most like to see discussed, and a majority of you said you’d like to learn about the different types of lymphedema out there. What is the difference between primary and secondary lymphedema? What is cancer-related lymphedema? Where on your body can you become affected? Let’s explore these questions together!
Primary Lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is a congenital abnormality caused by malformations of the lymphatic system, and can be present at birth or may develop later, during puberty or pregnancy. It is most common in the legs, but also may occur in the arms or torso.
Secondary Lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema results from damage to the lymphatic system through traumatic injuries, surgical procedures, infections, etc. The most common cause worldwide is a parasitic infection, where the parasite lodges itself in the lymphatic system, obstructing lymphatic vessels and disrupting lymphatic flow (CancerQuest.org). Secondary lymphedema occurs most commonly in the arms but also can develop in the legs.
(This is the kind I have, from a cast on my leg that was too tight as an infant.)
Cancer-Related Lymphedema
In the United States, nearly all cases of secondary lymphedema are cancer-related. This is due to surgical procedures such as mastectomies, lumpectomies with radiation, and the removal of lymph nodes. Lymphedema is frequently associated with breast cancer, prostate cancer, pelvic area cancers, lymphoma, and melanoma, with breast cancer being the most common cause of cancer-related lymphedema.
From CancerQuest.org:
Because the lymphatic system is found throughout the body and carries fluid and cells, it can serve as a ‘highway’ for cancer cells migrating away from a tumor. When a tumor is removed, lymph nodes in the region are often removed as well, and examined for the presence of tumor cells. For many cancers, this is a routine part of the staging and treatment process. Radiation therapy used in treating cancer is often aimed at the lymph nodes in an effort to destroy any cancer cells that have drifted away from the tumor. These treatments can damage the lymphatic system resulting in the collection of lymphatic fluid in body tissues and results in swelling of the arms, legs, or trunk.
Where does lymphedema occur?
Lymphedema most commonly occurs in one arm or leg, but it can be present in both arms and/or both legs. It can also occur in the hands, feet, chest, back, neck, face, abdomen, and genitals.
For more information, check out Lymphedema People, which has a large list of different types of lymphedema as well as different disorders and diseases that are associated with lymphedema.
What type of lymphedema do you have? When were you diagnosed? If you feel comfortable sharing, please consider contributing your story in the comments section below.
Many of you have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer, so when I heard about C4YW, I knew I had to share it with you.
The conference is specifically for young women with breast cancer, as well as those who support them. It’s presented by Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Young Survival Coalition, and sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation
.Have you heard of this? I was just made aware of it and, although my lymphedema is not a result of cancer, it sounds like an awesome event that’s definitely worth attending.
When: February 24 – 26, 2012
Where: New Orleans, LA
Register early to reserve your spot at the upcoming conference! It looks like it’s going to be a truly amazing time, with lots of workshops and speakers and other special events. If you’re thinking about attending, please let me know!
For more information, check out their website at http://www.c4yw.org/.
The popular sleeve manufacturers have done it again! LympheDIVAs just introduced their newest collection of bold and beautiful stripes. Inspired by the classic endurance of the nautical stripes popularized by Coco Chanel’s marinière, LympheDIVAs has three new patterns of stripes for you to rock.
The "Anna" style of sleeves, new at LympheDIVAs.
The "Katie" and "Melissa" styles.
Sleeves are selling for $90, gauntlets for $70. Buy a set of both a sleeve and a matching gauntlet for only $145! Or, buy a TriDIVA 3-pack of the three new stripe patterns for $199.
Click any of the images above or below to be redirected to the LympheDIVAs website and start shopping now!
